EEC examines energy options

Energy issues raised at an international meeting of the Common Market Energy Commission held to discuss arguments for and against nuclear energy involved both members of the European Energy Community and the general public, but failed to satisfy either group. Criticism of the meeting was due to the uneven participation by Community members and the fact that some views were not adequately represented. Critics also felt that a meeting where participants are polarized is not an effective way to inform the public. The role of nuclear energy in meeting energy needs for the remainder of the century was the focus of arguments. Disagreement arose over the value of energy forecasting by traditional methods compared with letting supply and conservation constraints determine demand. Arguments for less energy consumption were noted to be linked with antinuclear strategies. Supporters of nuclear plants argued that their safety records and environmental effects compare favorably with fossil-fuel plants.